Bahraini business leader Ali bin Yousif Fakhro died at the BDF Hospital yesterday, aged 83.

Fakhro, who was three times chairman of the Bahrain Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCI), from 1989 to 2001, was admitted to the hospital two weeks ago for treatment of heart-related problems.

Thousands of people, including ministers and business leaders, attended his funeral at the Muharraq cemetery.

Condolences will be received at Fakhro's Gudaibiya residence today and tomorrow.

Fakhro was seen as an icon by the business community, having helped steer the country's economic and social development.

His contribution to the development of the business sector in Bahrain is underscored by his 12-year tenure as chairman of the BCCI.

During this time he injected life and prestige into the Chamber undertaking missions to countries including the US, UK, Australia, China, Russia, Africa and Iran.

He walked with world leaders, but was also loved for the care he showed ordinary people.

Fakhro married Rafia Al Obaidi in 1944 and the couple had one son, Shawqi, and four daughters, Siham, Amal, Mariam and Raja'a.

His wife died in 1996, after which Fakhro drew comfort from his children, 12 grandchildren and three great grandchildren.-TradeArabia News Service